Inventory software on Linux
Being Objective
I-doit groups the inventory in objects that it stores in the CMDB. You will find matching object types in the objects view on the dashboard to help you with this, pre-sorted by categories such as software or infrastructure. The GUI displays the objects in an intuitive tree structure on the left of the program window in the Object view tab. You can add a new object by left-clicking on the appropriate type in the object view.
A detailed view of the selected type's existing objects then opens on the right in the large panel of the program window. This view is initially empty. To add a new object of the active category, you need to click on New above the view, and a corresponding entry screen then appears. Use this to enter the required data.
Many selection fields are filled with default options. But because these often fail to reflect object-specific data such as the manufacturer name, serial number, or type designation (especially when you launch the software for the first time), you can add these data by pressing the Add new value button, which you will find on the right of the active selection field in each case. Use the clear-cut dialog to enter the new options and then save your changes (Figure 1).
I-doit offers the option of considering device locations in the Location view. Thanks to this option, you can centrally enter and manage the systems for a site (e.g., a branch office of a larger company) in this context using the reporting function. For components that correlate to other objects of the CMDB system, you can also create appropriate mappings as required: For example, when entering the data for computer systems, you can select the operating systems or application software from the existing Software object group, including license and service management. Of course you can archive the data – say, on retired hardware – to comply with legal requirements.
Import and Export
Basic data resources from the intranet can be automatically loaded using the Nagios interface and the Check_MK [8] plugin, which you can access via the Extras menu. The individual data records can be retroactively modified after pressing the Edit button. I-doit also offers blank text fields in virtually every category so that you can add further explanations.
To import data, the Extras | CMDB | Import menu gives you the option of loading lists in various data formats. It also supports CSV and XML data. Individual data records can also be prepared for use in third-party applications by pressing the Export as CSV button.
Reporting
Like any professional CMDB system, i-doit offers a reporting function that lets the administrator define and output individual reports. The corresponding dialog for creating the report structures can be found in the Extras | Report Manager menu. If needed, individual components included in an object group as object components can be queried in a report. This makes it easier, for example, to inventory additional hardware or software licenses. You can also add contract and vendor data.
The system can also map the geographical situation so that administrators, especially in larger organizations, will quickly have an overview of the existing structures (Figure 2).
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.
-
ZorinOS 17.1 Released, Includes Improved Windows App Support
If you need or desire to run Windows applications on Linux, there's one distribution intent on making that easier for you and its new release further improves that feature.
-
Linux Market Share Surpasses 4% for the First Time
Look out Windows and macOS, Linux is on the rise and has even topped ChromeOS to become the fourth most widely used OS around the globe.
-
KDE’s Plasma 6 Officially Available
KDE’s Plasma 6.0 "Megarelease" has happened, and it's brimming with new features, polish, and performance.
-
Latest Version of Tails Unleashed
Tails 6.0 is based on Debian 12 and includes GNOME 43.
-
KDE Announces New Slimbook V with Plenty of Power and KDE’s Plasma 6
If you're a fan of KDE Plasma, you'll be thrilled to hear they've announced a new Slimbook with an AMD CPU and the latest version of KDE Plasma desktop.
-
Monthly Sponsorship Includes Early Access to elementary OS 8
If you want to get a glimpse of what's in the pipeline for elementary OS 8, just set up a monthly sponsorship to help fund its continued existence.